Easy pour low profile flow control dispensing cap

ABSTRACT

The inventions relate to containers that store liquids and/or particle solids and the removable caps that are used to stop contents from leaving the containers when the cap is in a closed position and to allow contents to be poured from the container in an open position. The caps may be used in a system that includes containers designed to stack together or to be otherwise stored together in a manner that minimizes the storage space required for such containers. The caps may include a base and a nipple having a low profile such that the top of the nipple does not protrude beyond the top of the base. The base may include a counterbore that is sufficiently large in diameter to allow the nipple to be grasped when in a closed position. The present inventions may be practiced with a stopper that interacts with the nipple to close the path through which fluid may flow.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/035,652, filed Mar. 11, 2008, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates to containers that store liquids and/or particlesolids and the closure mechanisms or caps for openings in the containersfrom which the contents exit. This disclosure also relates to containersystems that are designed to minimize space when stacked together andclosure mechanisms and caps that facilitate the storage and transport ofmultiple containers.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to containers that store liquids and/or particlesolids and the removable caps that are used to stop contents fromleaving the containers when the cap is in a closed position and to allowcontents to be poured from the container in an open position. The capsmay be used in a system that includes containers designed to stacktogether or to be otherwise stored together in a manner that minimizesthe storage space required for such containers.

In a first aspect, the disclosure includes an apparatus that includes atleast two parts engaged or coupled together. The apparatus may bechanged from an open to a closed position to control the flow ofcontents from the container.

In a second aspect, the disclosure includes a method of retarding theflow of contents from a container by using an apparatus that allowscontents to flow from a container in an open position and retards suchflow in a closed position.

In a third aspect, the apparatus and methods of the disclosure arepracticed in relation to a container system in which containers areconfigured to minimize spacing between containers, thereby decreasingstorage area requirements and reducing storage and shipping costs.

In an embodiment of the disclosures, the apparatus includes a base and anipple such that the top of the base and the nipple are substantiallyflush or level when the apparatus is in a closed position. Pulling up onthe nipple will move the apparatus into an open position.

In another embodiment of the disclosures, the assembly includes a baseand a nipple in which the base includes an opening in which the nippleis seated and a counterbore that permits grasping of the nipple when theassembly is in a closed position.

In yet a further embodiment, the assembly includes a stopper that isintegrated into the base and used in conjunction with the nipple toretard, inhibit, mitigate or prevent the contents of the container fromleaving when the assembly is in a closed position.

The apparatus may be used with any container that stores liquids and/orparticle solids. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus is usedwith containers that are designed to minimize their volumetric footprintfor storage such that when the apparatus is attached to the container,the apparatus does not protrude and create wasted space, but is insteadsubstantially flush or below the surface of an adjacent container orsurface. Use of the apparatus in this context ensures that thecontainers can be efficiently stacked in storage areas. Non-limitingexamples of storage areas include production factories, productionfacilities, factories, product wholesale warehouses, wholesale andretail distribution centers, retail stores, delivery vehicles, storagefacilities, shipping facilities, shelves, product displays, boxes andcartons. Use of the apparatus in this context furthermore permits theredesign of existing product packaging to create economic efficienciesin multiple stages of product manufacturing, shipment and transport andsales.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A shows an apparatus of the present invention in an open positionthat permits flow from a container.

FIG. 1B shows an apparatus of the present invention in a closed positionthat retards or inhibits flow from a container.

FIG. 1C illustrates the separate parts of an apparatus of the presentinvention in an exploded view.

FIG. 2A shows a representative base of the present invention when viewedfrom the first, or top, end. Line A-A represents a theoretical linethrough which a sectional view is taken.

FIG. 2B represents a sectional view of the base through line A-A of FIG.2A.

FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate views of the base that include portions ofthe second end and the first end, respectively.

FIG. 3A shows a representative nipple of the present invention.

FIG. 3B shows a representative nipple of the present invention whenviewed from the first, or top, end. Line B-B represents a theoreticalline through which a sectional view is taken.

FIG. 3C represents a sectional view of the nipple through line B-B ofFIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A illustrates a representative apparatus of the present inventionwhen viewed from the first, or top, end. Line C-C represents atheoretical line through which a sectional view is taken.

FIG. 4B shows an apparatus of the present invention in an open positionthat permits flow from a container in a sectional view through line C-Cof FIG. 4A

FIG. 4C shows an apparatus of the present invention in a closed positionthat retards or inhibits flow from a container in a sectional viewthrough line C-C of FIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MODES OF PRACTICING THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention is an Easy Pour Low Profile Flow ControlDispensing Cap, which is a closure mechanism for containers that storeliquids, particle solids or a mixture of liquids and solids. The capsinclude at least a nipple and a base that can be screwed onto acontainer that has matching threads. Alternatively, the cap can snaponto a container that is configured to receive the cap. The nipple andthe base are held together by a series of ridges designed to permit thenipple and base to be snapped together initially while making itdifficult for the parts to be separated during normal use of the cap.When snapped down completely into a closed position, the assembly willkeep the product in the container from leaking out. Importantly, the lowprofile of the cap makes the cap ideal for use in packaging systems thatminimize the storage footprint of the containers and therefore requirecaps that do not protrude beyond the volumetric envelope of thecontainer. For example, the containers may be designed in the shape of arectangular prism to minimize wasted space when stored in cartons andboxes, or to be stacked efficiently. Use of the inventive low profilecap that is flush with or below the sides of other containers or othersurfaces will also minimize wasted storage space for such containers.

The present invention also includes a gripping feature that makes iteasy for users to grip the nipple and open the cap to pour out theproducts. The nipple may include a lateral flange or other protrusionfrom at its top end that can be used to pull or push the nipple withfingers relative to the base. In the alternative, the nipple may includea flange or other lateral protrusion at its top end that permitsgripping by tools or other mechanical means.

The caps may include a stopper. The base, nipple and stopper may beconfigured to control the flow of the product from a container in anopen position. When the cap is attached to a container in a closedposition, flow of contents is retarded or inhibited. When the cap is inan open position, the contents of the container can pass through thecap. Thus flow can be controlled through one or more cap positions,including without limitation an open and closed position. In addition,the quantity and rate of flow can be varied by changing theconfigurations of the base, nipple and/or stopper. The ability tocontrol flow as described in contrast to caps that have no device tocontrol flow is advantageous for all users to improve control andplacement of the content stream and to prevent spills. Use of the capsfor children, the disabled and the elderly who may have difficultypouring or handling larger and heavier containers is also beneficial.

In an alternative embodiment, the caps may be used to control the flowfrom other sources. Non-limiting examples of such sources include hoses,faucets and spigots. The caps may be screwed or snapped onto suchsources.

As described herein, the disclosure includes an apparatus forcontrolling the flow of liquid and/or particle solids from a containeror other source. The apparatus includes a base comprising a first endand a second end, or a top and a bottom. The ends of the base may beused to approximate a top and bottom plane for the base. The first baseend is located external to the container. The second end of the base isinserted into an opening in the container. The base has an annularopening, or hole, that passes through the base from the top end to thebottom end. This hole has an axis substantially perpendicular to atleast one end of the annular opening or at least one end of the base.The base has at least one counterbore with an axis substantiallyparallel to the axis of the annular opening at its top or first end. Theapparatus also includes a nipple comprising a first end and a secondend, or a top and a bottom. The nipple is coupled to or engaged with thebase to permit a telescoping or sliding movement of the nipple relativeto the base to place the apparatus in an open or closed position. Thenipple is configured to fit into the hole of the base, and the secondend of the nipple may be inserted into the hole through the top end ofthe hole in the base. Non-limiting examples of the apparatus include ascrew cap and a snap-top cap and caps that include both screw and snapfeatures.

In some embodiments, when in a closed position the first end of thenipple is substantially flush with the first end of the base. In mostinstances, the first end of the base, or the upper surface, will besubstantially flat. In other cases, the upper surface of the base willbe slightly curved. In some cases, the first end of the nipple, or theupper surface of the nipple, will be flat. In other cases, the uppersurface of the nipple may have a slight curvature. When in a closedposition, the top end of the base and the top end of the nipple may forma substantially smooth or flat surface. The upper surfaces of the baseand the nipple may be configured to be substantially flat in combinationwhen in a closed position. In the alternative, the upper surfaces of thebase and/or nipple may be curved, but configured such that the combinedsurfaces are relatively smooth and continuous in the closed position.

In some cases, the closure will be substantially flush with the externalsurface of the container that contacts without limitation adjacentcontainers or surfaces of storage devices such as shelves, boxes,cartons. The top of the closure in a container may contact adjacentsurfaces without increasing the total amount of space between the twocontainers. In other cases, the top of the closure when in a closedposition will have a low profile such that no contact with othersurfaces occurs. In yet other cases, the top of the closure in acontainer may contact adjacent surfaces resulting in a de minimisincrease the total amount of space between the two containers.

The apparatus of the disclosure achieves a low profile that can improvestorage efficiencies by decreasing the total volume of space requiredfor storage. In some embodiments, the container will include anindentation or a step-down area that allows the low profile cap to beseated lower relative to other surfaces of the container.

In other embodiments, the apparatus may be practiced with a base havingat least one counterbore diameter sufficiently large to permit thenipple to be grasped when the apparatus is in a closed position. In theclosed position, the nipple may be substantially flush with the top ofthe base and difficult to pull out of the closed position withoutsufficient clearance. The counterbore may provide clearance for thefingers or for tools to grasp the nipple and/or its flange in order topull or push the nipple. In some cases, the counterbore will becircular, and the diameter of the counterbore will exceed the greatestdiameter of the nipple or its flange to permit the use of fingers ortools to grasp the nipple in a closed position. In some embodiments, theradius of the counterbore will exceed the greatest radius of the nippleor its flange from about 0.4 inch to 1 inch. In other embodiments, theradius of the counterbore will exceed the greatest radius of the nippleby at least 0.3 inch. In other cases, the counterbore, while notcircular, also provides sufficient clearance for fingers or tools tograsp the nipple and/or its flange.

In many cases, an apparatus in which when in a closed position the firstend of the nipple is substantially flush with the first end of the basemay be practiced together with an apparatus that includes a counterborediameter sufficiently large to permit the nipple to be grasped when theapparatus is in a closed position.

In some embodiments, the nipple may be moved between at least an openand a closed position. The flow of liquid and/or particle solids will beinhibited or retarded when the apparatus in a closed position isattached to a container, and flow will be permitted when the apparatusis in an open position. In the open position, a flow path will beprovided by openings in the base, the nipple and/or the stopper. Theapparatus permits a controlled flow from the container and furthermorefeatures of the apparatus may be changed to provide varying flow speedsand rates. Features that may be changed include without limitation holesizes, stopper size and thickness, support sizes and thicknesses.

In some embodiments, the apparatus is removably attached to thecontainer. The apparatus may be practiced with a base that comprises arotational axis and threads that allow the base to be threaded onto amating feature on a container. The threads permit the apparatus to alsobe removed from the container. Alternatively, the apparatus may besnapped onto the container with means known to those of skill in theart. In some cases, the apparatus may include both threads and snap-onfeatures that permit the apparatus to be snapped on or off the containeras well as threaded on or off the container. In many embodiments thecontainer will include a device or feature that mates with the threadsor snaps of the apparatus.

In many embodiments, the annular opening or hole of the base will havemore than one diameter. In these cases, the nipple may also have morethan one diameter matching the diameters of the base. In addition, manyembodiments will include at least one ridge that protrudes from the wallof the annular opening to retain the nipple in the apparatus. In suchcases, the nipple will also include at least one ridge that protrudesfrom the external wall and is initially forced past the retention ridgeof the base to engage the nipple with the base. In this context thenipple is snapped into the hole and retained by the nipple ridge, whichdoes not permit the nipple to separate from the base because the forcerequired to pull the nipple ridge past the retention ridge in the baseis greater than the force used to operate the apparatus in the normalcourse of usage.

In some embodiments, the annular opening or hole of the base includes asecond ridge that acts as a detent or catch to keep nipple in a closedposition. The nipple can be moved in and out of the closed position withnormal operating force, which pulls or pushes the nipple ridge past thedetent ridge in the base hole.

In many embodiments, the outer diameter or diameters of the nipple willmatch the diameter or diameters of the annular opening in a manner thatensures a precision fit.

In other embodiments, the base will further comprise an outer perimeterwith ridges and/or grooves that are helpful in gripping the base,especially when the base is screwed onto a container. The outerperimeter may for example include without limitation one or more roughor sandpaper like surfaces, grooves, pebbled surfaces, dimpled surfaces,ridges and other protrusions.

In some cases, the nipple of the disclosure further comprises a flangeor other lateral protrusion at the first or top end of the nipple. Thisflange allows the nipple to be grasped by fingers or mechanical graspingmeans. Force applied to the flange will move the flange relative to thebase and allow it to travel or telescope along the annular opening ofthe base. The movement of the nipple may be limited by the ridges in thebase and nipple.

In yet further embodiments, the disclosure includes an apparatus forcontrolling the flow of liquid and/or particle solids from a container.The apparatus may include a stopper that is located within the annularopening of the base that, when in contact with the nipple, retards orinhibits the contents of the container from leaving when the apparatusis in a closed position. In some embodiments, the stopper will belocated proximate to the second end of the annular opening in the base.The stopper may be located within the container when the cap is attachedto the container. In some embodiments, the stopper comprises a circulardisc with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the annular opening.In other cases, the stopper may comprise a different shape that matchesthe shape of the bottom of the nipple. In some cases, the stopper willbe integrated with the base with at least one support connecting thebase and the stopper. The support is configured to provide a spacethrough which the contents of the container may flow when the apparatusis in an open position. The shape and structure of the supports may bevaried to provide different size and shape openings through which thecontents of the container will flow. In some cases, the stopper and itssupport or supports are separated from the base and connected to aflange or other structure. The separate stopper is configured toposition the stopper within the hole in the base such that when incontact with the nipple, flow is retarded in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the nipple will include an annular opening passingfrom the first end through the second end of the nipple, and theinternal wall of the nipple annular opening will contact the stopper ina closed position to retard or inhibit the contents of the containerfrom leaving. The second end or bottom of the nipple is inserted intothe hole in the base where the stopper is also located. In otherembodiments, the nipple will further comprise a counterbore at thesecond end of the nipple and the internal wall of the counterbore willcontact the stopper in a closed position to retard or inhibit thecontents of the container from leaving. In many embodiments, the portionof the internal wall of the nipple annular opening or the nipplecounterbore that contacts the stopper will be chamfered. In thealternative, the opening in the nipple and the shape of the stopper arenot substantially circular and may without limitation be square, oval orrectagonal.

In some embodiments, the stopper may be used together with an apparatusthat when in a closed position the first end of the nipple issubstantially flush with the first end of the base. In otherembodiments, the stopper may be practiced with a base having acounterbore diameter sufficiently large to permit the nipple to begrasped when the apparatus is in a closed position. In yet otherembodiments, the stopper may be used together with both an apparatusthat when in a closed position the first end of the nipple issubstantially flush with the first end of the base and with a basehaving a counterbore diameter sufficiently large to permit the nipple tobe grasped when the apparatus is in a closed position.

In some embodiments, the containers may contain liquids. Non-limitingexamples of containers include bottles, cartons, sports bottles, waterbottles and jugs. The caps may be produced in different sizes andheights to conform to the size of the product container. Similarly, theconfiguration of the stopper, base and nipple can be modified to provideoptimal flow characteristics depending on the size and dimensions of thespecific container and/or its contents. The colors of the caps andgeneral shapes of the base, nipple and stopper may be varied.

Non-limiting examples of liquids stored in the containers used inconjunction with food product packaging include water, milk, juice,soda, energy drinks, cooking oil and soy sauce. Non-limiting examples ofliquids stored in the containers used in conjunction with non-foodproduct packaging include motor oil, windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze,dishwashing soap, hand soap, household and industrial cleaning liquidsand supplies and laundry detergents.

In some embodiments, the nipple and base are made of the same material.In other embodiments, the nipple and base are made of differentmaterials. Non-limiting examples of materials include food gradeplastics and non-food grade plastics, HDPE (high density polyethylene),food grade polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polycarbonates, PVDF(polyvinylidene fluoride) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

As described herein, the disclosure includes a method of retarding orinhibiting the flow of liquids and/or particle solids from a containercomprising coupling a base and a nipple to permit movement of the nippleto and from a closed position, wherein said base comprises (i) a firstend and a second end inserted into the container; (ii) an annularopening having a first end and second end, said annular opening havingan axis substantially perpendicular to at least one end of the annularopening or at least one end of the base; and (iii) a counterbore havinga counterbore axis substantially parallel to said annular opening axis;and wherein said nipple comprises a first end and a second end, saidsecond end inserted into the annular opening of said base; said thefirst end of the nipple is substantially flush with said first end ofsaid base in a closed position and the diameter of said counterbore issufficient to allow said nipple to be grasped in the closed position;moving said nipple into a closed position; and moving the nipple into aclosed position. Of course, the nipple may be pushed into a closedposition before attaching the cap to the container, or the user canensure that the closure is in a closed position before or afterattachment. The container may include an opening into which the secondof the base is inserted and a device that mates to the threads orsnap-on features of the cap. Alternatively, such mating features may beintegral to the container.

In some embodiments, the method further includes a base comprising arotational axis and threads for removably attaching the apparatus to thecontainer. The method may be practiced with a base that comprisesthreads that allow the base to be threaded onto a mating feature on thecontainer. The threads permit the apparatus to also be removed from thecontainer. Alternatively, the method may be practiced with an apparatusthat may be snapped onto the container with means known to those ofskill in the art. In some cases, the method may be practiced with anapparatus that may include both threads and snap-on features that permitthe apparatus to be snapped on or off the container and threaded on oroff the container.

As described herein, the disclosure includes a packaging systemcomprising a flow control apparatus comprising a base comprising a firstend and a second end, an annular opening having a first end and secondend, said annular opening having an axis substantially perpendicular toat least one end of the annular opening or at least one end of the base;a counterbore having a counterbore axis substantially parallel to saidannular opening axis, and a nipple comprising a first end and a secondend, said nipple coupled to said base to permit movement of the nippleto and from a closed position and at least one container configured tobe stacked to minimize spacing between containers, wherein when saidflow control apparatus is attached to said container, the flow controlapparatus is substantially flush with or below an adjacent surface.

The containers of the packaging system are configured to minimize thespace between the containers when stacked or stored together forefficient storage and transport. Non-limiting containers of thedisclosure include milk jugs as described by S. Rosenbloom, “Solution orMess? A Milk Jug for a Green Earth,” New York Times (online), Jun. 30,2008. The containers of the system may include a step-down or anindentation at the point of attachment of the cap to account for the capheight. Alternatively, the container may include a recess in which thecap is seated such that the top of the closure is substantially flushwith the surface of the container.

In some embodiments, the system will be practiced with the first end ofthe nipple substantially flush with said first end of said base in aclosed position. In other embodiments, the system will be practiced withthe diameter of the base counterbore sufficient to allow said nipple tobe grasped in the closed position. Of course, the system may bepracticed with both the first end of the nipple substantially flush withsaid first end of said base in a closed position and/or the diameter ofthe base counterbore sufficient to allow said nipple to be grasped inthe closed position. A stopper of the present disclosure may be usedwith these embodiments as well.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that the inventions of thepresent disclosure may be practiced with washers that may be integratedor separate from the base, nipple, stopper and container.

The citation of documents herein is not to be construed as reflecting anadmission that any is relevant prior art. Moreover, their citation isnot an indication of a search for relevant disclosures. All statementsregarding the date(s) or contents of the documents is based on availableinformation and is not an admission as to their accuracy or correctness.

Having now generally provided the disclosure, the same will be morereadily understood through reference to the following examples which areprovided by way of illustration, and are not intended to be limiting ofthe disclosure, unless specified.

EXAMPLES Example 1

In FIG. 1C, the apparatus 1 comprising a base 2 and a nipple 3 is shownin an exploded view.

Base 3 is shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D. Base 3 includes a first end 6and a second end 7. FIG. 2A illustrates the base from the top endlooking down, while FIG. 2C shows the base with a portion of the top orfirst end, and FIG. 2D shows the base with a portion of the bottom orsecond end that is inserted into a container.

The base includes an annular opening or hole 13 that has diameters 24and 25 and top and bottom openings 27 and 28, respectively. Acounterbore 4 is centered about hole 13.

The hole further comprises a retention ridge 8 and detent ridge 20 aswell as a groove 9 defined by detent ridge 20 and the decrease indiameter of the hole from 24 to 25.

The base 3 also includes threads 5 used to attach the base to thecontainer.

In FIGS. 2A through 2C, the stopper 10 is illustrated as connected tothe second end of the base by four supports 11. Four spaces 12 aredefined by the gaps between the supports 11, the stopper 10 and the endof the base 7.

Ridges 26 are included at the outer perimeter of the base that allow auser to grip the base easily. The outer perimeter is located external tothe container.

Nipple 3 is shown in FIGS. 3A through 3C. The nipple has a first or topend 14 and a second or bottom end 15. The nipple also includes anannular opening or hole 19, with corresponding hole openings 29 and 30.The internal wall of the hole has a chamfer 16 proximate to second end15. The exterior of the nipple includes diameters 21 and 22 as well aschamfer 23 proximate to second end 15. Ridge 17 is illustrated as nearthe transition between diameters 21 and 22. Nipple flange 18 is shown atthe first or top end of the nipple.

FIGS. 1A and 4B show the apparatus of the present invention in an openposition. Nipple end 15 is inserted into base hole opening 27. Thenipple 3 is retained in base 2 by retention ridge 8. The nipple ridge 17must be forced past ridge 8 to detach the nipple from the base. Theamount of force necessary to detach the nipple is substantially greaterthan the normal force used to operate the apparatus. In this openposition, the contents of the container may flow through space 12,diameters 25 and 24 of the hole in the base, and through hole 19 of thenipple.

FIGS. 1B and 4C show the apparatus of the present invention in a closedposition. In the closed position, chamfer 16 contacts stopper 10 to sealthe path through which fluid can travel. The nipple 3 is kept in theclosed position by nipple ridge 17, which is seated in groove 9 andretained by detent ridge 20. During normal use of the apparatus,sufficient force is applied to overcome detent ridge 20 and allow nippleridge 17 to move in and out of groove 9.

In the figure shown, the first end of the nipple 14 is substantiallyflush with the first end of the base 6 in the closed position.

All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties, whether previously specifically incorporated or not.

Having now fully described the inventive subject matter, it will beappreciated by those skilled in the art that the same can be performedwithin a wide range of equivalent parameters and conditions withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure and without undueexperimentation.

While this disclosure has been described in connection with specificembodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of furthermodifications. This application is intended to cover any variations,uses, or adaptations of the disclosure following, in general, theprinciples of the disclosure and including such departures from thepresent disclosure as come within known or customary practice within theart to which the disclosure pertains and as may be applied to theessential features hereinbefore set forth.

1. An apparatus for controlling the flow from a container, saidapparatus comprising a base comprising a first base end located outsideof the container and a second base end inserted into the container; anannular opening having a first end and second end, said annular openinghaving an axis substantially perpendicular to said first or second baseend; a counterbore having a counterbore axis substantially parallel tosaid annular opening axis; and a nipple comprising a first end and asecond end, said second end inserted into the annular opening of saidbase, said nipple operably configured to move between positionscomprising an open position and a closed position.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first end of the nipple is substantially flush withsaid first base end when the apparatus is in a closed position.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus is removably attached tosaid container.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said base furthercomprises threads for removably attaching said base to said container.5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flow from the container isretarded when said apparatus is in a closed position.
 6. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the diameter of said counterbore is sufficient toallow said nipple to be grasped in a closed position.
 7. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein said base further comprises a stopper proximate tosaid second base end, wherein said nipple contacts said stopper when ina closed position to retard the flow of liquid from the container. 8.The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said stopper is circular.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein said stopper is connected to the base withat least one support.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said nipplecomprises an annular opening.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein thewall of said nipple annular opening contacts the outer diameter of thestopper in a closed position to retard flow from the container.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein said annular opening in contact with saidstopper is chamfered.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said nipplefurther comprises a nipple counterbore at said second end, and whereinthe wall of said nipple counterbore contacts the stopper in a closedposition to retard flow from the container.
 14. The apparatus of claim13, wherein the wall of said nipple counterbore is chamfered.
 15. Amethod of retarding the flow of liquid from the container, said methodcomprising coupling a base and a nipple such that the nipple may movebetween positions comprising an open position and a closed position,wherein said base comprises (i) a first base end located outside of thecontainer and a second base end inserted into the container; (ii) anannular opening having a first end and second end, said annular openinghaving an axis substantially perpendicular to said first or second baseend and (iii) a counterbore having a counterbore axis substantiallyparallel to said annular opening axis; and wherein said nipple comprisesa first end and a second end; said the first end of the nipple issubstantially flush with said first end of said base in a closedposition and the diameter of said counterbore is sufficient to allowsaid nipple to be grasped in the closed position; removably attachingthe coupled base and nipple to said container; and moving the nippleinto a closed position.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein said basecomprises threads for removably attaching said base to said containerand said method further comprises attaching the coupled base and nippleto said container with said threads.
 17. A packaging system comprisingat least one flow control apparatus comprising a base comprising a firstbase end located outside of the container and a second base end insertedinto the container; an annular opening having a first end and secondend, said annular opening having an axis substantially perpendicular tosaid first or second base end; a counterbore having a counterbore axissubstantially parallel to said annular opening axis; and a nipplecomprising a first end and a second end, said second end inserted intothe annular opening of said base, said nipple operably configured tomove between positions comprising an open position and a closedposition; at least one container configured to be stacked to minimizespacing between containers; wherein when said flow control apparatus isattached to said container, the flow control apparatus is substantiallyflush with or below an adjacent surface or container.
 18. The system ofclaim 17, wherein a surface of said container is indented at theattachment of the flow control apparatus.
 19. The system of claim 18,wherein the first end of the nipple is substantially flush with saidfirst end of said base in a closed position and wherein the diameter ofsaid counterbore is sufficient to allow said nipple to be grasped in theclosed position.